Molehill of a mountain
Source: The Roanoke Times
July 17, 2007
Preserve Mill Mountain, but don't eliminate all opportunity for appropriate development.
A conservation easement for much of Mill Mountain would protect land donated to Roanoke for public enjoyment of a natural treasure in its natural state.
But such an easement should not preclude development on every inch of the mountain. There are areas on the mountaintop where it would be possible to create development that preserves -- and respects -- the mountain's character.
The Western Virginia Land Trust Board of Trustees, injecting itself in the latest debate over Mill Mountain's future, intends to ask the city to put a conservation easement on the mountain. The Land Trust's request is the beginning of a renewed push to protect natural resources regionwide, with Roanoke serving as its model.
Approving an easement could be one more environmentally conscious action by a city that is growing ever greener. It could put Roanoke "out there as one of the cool green cities to live in," said Roger Holnback, Land Trust executive director.
But a Mill Mountain easement could shut the door, now barely open a crack, on plans to develop any of the mountaintop's remaining undeveloped land. That includes Valley Forward's proposal to revive the old Rockledge Inn.
Roanoke officials must carefully weigh development potential, however limited, against the permanent restrictions of an easement. Or at least consider an easement that, if possible, does not rule out the possibility for development in appropriate areas.
And this notion of "cool"? Cool is in the eye of the beholder. Is it "being green," becoming what Councilwoman Gwen Mason calls "a great city with great green spaces?" Or is it young adults, sipping drinks in a mountainside café while listening to a bit of smooth jazz?
Can't it be both? Perhaps interested parties should set aside this notion that "cool" is one thing but not the other.
If the twain are ever to meet, there must be consideration for both.
